Page 116 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“We may as well try.” Tilda led them to Clement’s table.

The reporter picked up his ale once more and rose. “It seems you’ve solved the case whilst I was away. I only returned this afternoon.”

“We have,” Tilda replied. “But your efforts will be of great use in the prosecution of Mrs. Walters. At least, I assume they will be.”

“Most definitely,” Clement said as he proceeded to tell them about how Mr. and Mrs. Walters had cheated many people in several places with fake burial clubs. Phelps had gone by many aliases, including Wallace Philips and Philip Wallace. The Coleman Street Ward Amicable Society was actually his first friendly society—and would be the last.

“With the number of people he’s cheated, I’m surprised Phelps lasted as long as he did,” Clement noted. “I’ll publish a series of articles starting tomorrow. I don’t suppose you have any information about the future of the Amicable Society? I’d like to include that in my story.”

“We don’t know yet,” Maxwell replied. “If you’d care to wait around until the meeting concludes, we may have a better answer for you.”

“I’ll do that, thank you.” Clement inclined his head, then sat back down.

As Tilda turned from Clement’s table, Isaiah Jarret was just walking into the pub. He removed his hat and looked about somewhat cautiously before his gaze settled on Furnier.

“I wonder what Jarret is doing here,” Hadrian said softly.

“Perhaps he’s decided to give the society another try,” Tilda mused. “I hope that bodes well for the future of the society. Perhaps others will also give it a second chance.”

Tilda noted that several other wives were in the common room, including Mrs. Furnier and Mrs. Burley. Dr. Giles’s fiancée, Miss Trimble, was also present.

Mrs. Burley gaped upon seeing Hadrian. “What has happened to Mr. Beck’s hair?”

“That will be revealed shortly,” Tilda said. She hadn’t washed the powder from her hair since her identity would not be revealed. For propriety’s sake, she would remain Mrs. Harwood. No one needed to know that Miss Matilda Wren had resided with an earl and an inspector, even though she’d had a chaperone. In fact, they’d decided that Hadrian wouldn’t be revealed as Lord Ravenhurst either. Maxwell had asked Furnier and Giles to keep Hadrian’s identity quiet, at least until they were gone.

Everyone seemed rather subdued after hearing of Draper’s arrest, which had spread since yesterday. However, Mrs. Atkins arrived with her usual boisterous, self-important demeanor. Tilda wasn’t sure the woman was capable of restraining herself.

Furnier then shocked the ladies by inviting them to come into the meeting room. Even Mrs. Atkins seemed surprised.

“I wonder why we’re being included,” Mrs. Burley commented as she walked into the room with Tilda.

“There are to be some announcements,” Tilda said. “Perhaps Mr. Furnier understands the importance of ensuring everyone hears the news.”

“That’s precisely it,” Mrs. Furnier said pertly. She smiled at Tilda.

Tilda sat between Hadrian and Maxwell in the front row.

Mr. Furnier cleared his throat and welcomed everyone. “I know it has been a very long week and much has happened. Some may think the Coleman Street Ward Amicable Society is finished, but I am here to tell you we will forge on.” He glanced at Dr. Giles, who sat behind the purple covered table. “Dr. Gilesand I are committed to ensuring that those who were cheated will have their fees refunded.”

“How will you do that?” someone asked.

“We are working with the police to recover at least some of the money that Eaton and Phelps stole,” Furnier replied. “Though, that may not be enough. We do have one anonymous benefactor who has donated to our cause, and we hope to solicit another.” He looked pointedly at Mrs. Atkins, whose hand fluttered to her chest.

“You want me to pay for those men’s crimes?” she asked, her voice tinged with disdain.

“We’d be grateful if you were able to donate money to help the society survive and move forward. Dr. Giles and I would be pleased to recognize you as the society’s benefactress or even have you as a member of our leadership, if you are so inclined.”

“Will women be admitted?” Mrs. Burley asked.

Mrs. Atkins turned her head to look at Mrs. Burley. “I don’t know that we should?—”

“We will discuss that,” Dr. Giles said, cutting Mrs. Atkins off. Tilda buried a smile.

“What about Mr. Beck?” Mrs. Atkins asked. “Will he still be employed as our canvasser? I’d already agreed to pay his salary.”

Furnier inclined his head toward Hadrian.

With a nod, Hadrian stood and turned to face the members. He smiled faintly. “I will not be staying with the society. I have been investigating the society along with Inspector Maxwell and Mrs. Harwood.” He gestured to Maxwell and Tilda.